Subaru Outback

Subaru says the new Outback “retains its signature proportions” with the exception of its roofline, which grows two inches taller. However, the upright grille and a boxy profile give it a rough overall appearance compared with the Outback that this new model replaces.

The changes aren’t all cosmetic, however. Those sharper angles create more interior space for both people and stuff. And the roof rails, which are standard, have an 800-pound static load capacity and a 220-pound dynamic load rating for carrying rooftop cargo. We’ll have to see whether the thicker pillars affect visibility, which has always been excellent in Subarus.

We’re not quite sure what’s up with the grille on the Wilderness edition. It has the brand’s name embedded into the trim in big block letters, as is the fashion on so many off-road-ready and off-road-wannabe SUVs and pickup trucks these days. But the spot where the Subaru badge once was remains, Viewed head-on, the Outback Wilderness has the appearance of some frightening creature from the sea’s darkest depths.

We really like what we’ve seen so far of the new Outback’s interior: Buttons, knobs, and a traditional shifter! Along with Honda and a few other brands, Subaru is taking a step back from the touchscreen mania that’s affecting so many vehicles these days. Some of the things we dislike about current Subarus are their clumsy climate controls and cluttered, laggy touchscreens. We expect that the new Outback will be easier to use and less distracting while driving.

Practicality aside, the Outback promises to be a little more refined than its predecessor, with more sound-deadening materials to block out wind and engine noise. It’s roomier, too, thanks to the taller roofline and boxier silhouette. Subaru says it has 34.6 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, up 2 cubic feet from the outgoing model. That’s over 20 percent more space than the Forester, as well.

Most of the changes under the Outback’s sheetmetal are revisions, not reinventions. The base engine, steering rack, and all-wheel drive system have all been retuned or revised in some way. Interestingly, the “revised” base engine is good for 180 horsepower, down 2 hp from the 2025 model. The Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims get the 2.4-liter, 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s carried over from the current XT. Every Outback gets all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Subaru says that its EyeSight driver assistance systems have been upgraded, with more processing power, new features, and new cameras and sensors. The Outback’s active driver assistance system can now operate on highways at speeds up to 85 mph with driver supervision. If the driver becomes unresponsive while adaptive cruise control is in operation, Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can turn on the flashers, slow the car, and pull it onto the shoulder. A new wider-angle camera is supposed to work better at spotting pedestrians and cyclists. We’re eager to see how well it performs in IIHS tests.